I just bought a Rebel XTI 10.1 mega pixel digital slr and I need some help. What kind of lenses should I get if I want to get both amazing extreme close-up shots (like of spiders and insects) AND a VERY long zoom (something that could capture a creature perfectly from 100 metres away preferably). My camera came with a lens that has a maximum of only 58mm.....would a 70-300mm be sufficient for my needs? Or will I need to go even further? And what about close-ups? What should I use? I also have one more question, for those familar with this camera- why is it that the camera refuses to take the shot if it is very dark or very close to an object? Anyway, all suggestions welcome. Be kind, I'm new to the world of the DSLR and need serious help.
both amazing extreme close-up shots>>>
180mm Macro (Sigma/Tamron/Canon) is one great lense. I have one for sale, let me know.(Moved to Nikon).
Posted by Kent Staubus on November 9, 2006 at 9:56 AM
Brandon--
This is a "kind" forum. We're all "beginners" in one stage or another. Rather than immediately starting to buy a bunch of lenses based on what others tell you, I suggest you hold off just a bit and use what you have. That way, your own photos and experience will tell you what you need.
The insect shots are easier to talk about and make suggestions for. You're going to need a pretty good tripod, something like a Bogen 3011 or 3021 from eBay. Tripods tend to be a good value when bought used. There are two ways you can go for a bug lens. The best one will be something like the Sigma 180mm macro. A lens longer than 100mm gives you more distance to work with, and that makes it easier since you're less likely to scare the bug. The second way you can go is to buy something like either the Sigma 80-400m OS lens or the Canon 100-400mm IS, and put the Canon 500D diopter on it. This is a 77mm lens add-on that lets the lens focus close, like about 18 inches away. Mine works pretty good, especially for the money.
You didn't get very specific about exactly what you were trying to photo from 100 meters. My best guess is the 70-300mm IS lens would be barely adequate. The Canon 100-400mm IS or Sigma 80-400mm OS lens would come closer. SInce these are major purchases, you might think it over for awhile or see if you can borrow a 400mm lens to see if that 's going to be long enough. Another idea would be a used (from eBay) Sigma 50-500mm lens. It doesn't have the IS or OS anti-shake system, but is sharp when used from a tripod. It also can be a good value on eBay.
Kent in SD
Posted by Stacy Egan on November 9, 2006 at 10:52 AM
Ken has provided great advice here. I might suggest another alternative, one that I am enjoying with my 20D, and that is the 300 f/4 IS. This is a great lens, very sharp, and provides a nice creamy background when stopped open. I use it as my longest lens for birds and flowers (sometimes paired with a 1.4X teleconvertor), and as a macro for insects with extension tubes (Kenko tubes are cheaper than Canon). I notice that my favorite insect photographer on NPN, Ronnie Gaubert, uses a combination of a (Nikon) 300mm lens with extension tubes for some of his fantastic insect shots. And one of my favorite bird photographers on NPN, Cindy Mead, uses a 300mm lens for birds. I have the IS (image-stabilized) version, but you may be able to find a used 300mm f/4 non-IS on Ebay.
Hi Brandon,
even the giant Canon 1200 f/5.6 L wouldn't be enough to capture a creature from 100 metres, unless you photograph a large animal as a lyon or an eagle ;-)
As already suggested, the 300 f4 is a good high-quality choice, if you want to photograph both macro and fauna subject. The Sigma 70-300 Macro 1:2 is a much cheaper alternative, but it is much worse image quality.
Regarding the last question: I guess that your camera is in One Shot AF mode. When you use One Shot, you can not take the photo until the scene is perfectly focussed. If you want to take the photo anyway, either switch to manual focus or to AI Servo AF.
Discussion
4 replies180mm Macro (Sigma/Tamron/Canon) is one great lense. I have one for sale, let me know.(Moved to Nikon).
This is a "kind" forum. We're all "beginners" in one stage or another.
The insect shots are easier to talk about and make suggestions for. You're going to need a pretty good tripod, something like a Bogen 3011 or 3021 from eBay. Tripods tend to be a good value when bought used. There are two ways you can go for a bug lens. The best one will be something like the Sigma 180mm macro. A lens longer than 100mm gives you more distance to work with, and that makes it easier since you're less likely to scare the bug. The second way you can go is to buy something like either the Sigma 80-400m OS lens or the Canon 100-400mm IS, and put the Canon 500D diopter on it. This is a 77mm lens add-on that lets the lens focus close, like about 18 inches away. Mine works pretty good, especially for the money.
You didn't get very specific about exactly what you were trying to photo from 100 meters. My best guess is the 70-300mm IS lens would be barely adequate. The Canon 100-400mm IS or Sigma 80-400mm OS lens would come closer. SInce these are major purchases, you might think it over for awhile or see if you can borrow a 400mm lens to see if that 's going to be long enough. Another idea would be a used (from eBay) Sigma 50-500mm lens. It doesn't have the IS or OS anti-shake system, but is sharp when used from a tripod. It also can be a good value on eBay.
Kent in SD
even the giant Canon 1200 f/5.6 L wouldn't be enough to capture a creature from 100 metres, unless you photograph a large animal as a lyon or an eagle ;-)
As already suggested, the 300 f4 is a good high-quality choice, if you want to photograph both macro and fauna subject. The Sigma 70-300 Macro 1:2 is a much cheaper alternative, but it is much worse image quality.
Regarding the last question: I guess that your camera is in One Shot AF mode. When you use One Shot, you can not take the photo until the scene is perfectly focussed. If you want to take the photo anyway, either switch to manual focus or to AI Servo AF.